Two decades after making their debut, The Raconteurs are celebrating Broken Boy Soldiers with a special anniversary release courtesy of Third Man Records.
Originally released in May 2006, the band’s acclaimed debut album is getting the deluxe treatment, including a new opaque green vinyl edition arriving December 11, with availability at select record stores beginning December 18. Pre-orders are open now.
There’s more for fans than just a fresh vinyl pressing. Broken Boy Soldiers (Deluxe) is available digitally now, pairing the original studio album with a complete recording of the band’s April 7, 2006 performance at New York City’s Irving Plaza. The show holds a special place in the band’s history as their first live performance on U.S. soil.
Previously released in shortened form as part of Third Man’s Vault series, the expanded concert recording adds three previously unreleased encore performances. Highlights include the band’s blistering take on David Bowie’s “It Ain’t Easy” and a cover of the Flamin’ Groovies’ “Headin’ For The Texas Border.”
The anniversary announcement also arrives on the heels of an unexpected Raconteurs reunion. The band joined Jack White during his October 10 concert at Nashville’s The Truth, delivering a five-song encore that marked their first live appearance in nearly seven years. The set included favorites “Steady, As She Goes,” “Hands,” “Level,” “Broken Boy Soldier,” and “Carolina Drama.”
With Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence, and Patrick Keeler bringing together their musical backgrounds, Broken Boy Soldiers captured the kind of straightforward, guitar-driven rock that never really goes out of style. Twenty years later, the album still has plenty of life left in it.
Vinyl: The opaque green anniversary edition arrives December 11, with select retail availability December 18. Pre-orders are available through Third Man Records.
